Is UDI currently processing applications for protection from Syrians?

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has decided that, effective from 24 June 2025, the processing of applications for protection (asylum) from Syrian citizens and stateless individuals from Syria will be suspended. This also applies to the processing of applications from unaccompanied minor asylum seekers.

When the processing of applications is suspended, this means that the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) will wait to process the applications until there is sufficient information about the situation in Syria. According to the Immigration Act, there are deadlines and rules for how long the processing of applications can remain suspended:

  • Within 6 months, UDI must assess whether there is enough information to resume processing the applications. This means by 24 December 2025 at the latest.

  • The hold may be extended for an additional 6 months if the situation is still too unclear to process the applications. This means applications may be on hold until 24 June 2026, but not beyond this.

  • If the situation becomes clearer before these deadlines (24 December 2025 or 24 June 2026), UDI may resume processing earlier.

Applicants from Syria who have not been called in for an interview will also not be called while the asylum case processing is on hold. 

We are still processing applications for renewal.

Only the processing of applications for protection is suspended.

The processing of other types of applications for residence permits is not suspended—such as applications for family immigration, permanent residence, or Norwegian citizenship. These applications are being processed as normal.

The suspension of the case processing of applications for protection means that there will also be longer waiting times in reception centres for asylum seekers from Syria. However, persons from Syria who have applied for protection in Norway are still entitled to a place in an asylum reception centre. While the processing of applications for protection is suspended, all benefits, rights, and obligations for this group remain unchanged.

UDI is closely monitoring the situation. All applicants from Syria who have applied for protection will eventually receive a decision. Updates will be posted at udi.no if there are any changes to the assessment or handling of these applications.

Can I work while I wait for a decision on my application for protection?

Asylum seekers from Syria who have not yet attended an asylum interview will not be able to obtain a temporary or renewed work permit while they await a decision on their application for protection.

Applications for Norwegian citizenship

The processing and waiting times for applications for citizenship are not affected by the suspension of the processing of applications for protection from Syrian citizens and stateless persons from Syria.